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The week in history
1906 100 years ago
DRINK driving was proving controversial as Henry Eustace was summoned for being drunk and disorderly whilst in charge of a horse and cart on the June 17, 1906.
A report titled, ‘ A Dangerous Practice' read: ‘P.C. Davis said on the day in question he was on duty near the “Greyhound,” when he saw a pony and trap standing outside the “Pheasant.” Eustace was standing near the cart and he then got into the vehicle, although drunk, and drove in the witness's direction. He stopped the defendant, who became very violent, and in consequence they had to tie his legs to keep him under control.'
The report added: ‘Supt. Frogley stated that there were three convictions against the defendant and he was fined 17s. 6d. inclusive or told to serve 14 days in prison.
THE HEALING value of Elliman's was stressed in relation to a wide variety of bodily discomforts. The Gazette reported: ‘Elliman's Universal Embrocation upon account of its curative properties can be relied upon as the best remedy for Rheumatism, Lumbago, Sprains, Bruises, Sore Throat from Cold, Neuralgia from Cold, Cold at the Chest, Chronic Bronchitis, Backache, Cramp, Wounds Stiffness, Soreness of the Limbs after Cycling, Football, Rowing.....'
The report added: ‘Information most useful to all concerned is contained in the Elliman's R.E.P Book which, instructs how to make Beef Tea, How to Peptonise Beef Tea, How to make Barley Water, How to make Whey, How to Make Raw Meat Juice, How to Make Cream Mixture for Children and it gives other useful First-Aid information.'
THE SUMMER OF 1906 was posing heat problems and pharmacies tried to offer possible solutions. A report titled, ‘How to Keep Cool' read: ‘All who are suffering from the heat should add a few drops of Condy's Fluid to the Daily Bath. It invigorates the body and braces the nerves. The Cooling effect is Simply Magical, it is so lasting. All substitutes are inferior.'
1956 50 years ago
TELEVISION screens were suspected of being bad for children's eyes.
A report in this week's Gazette read: “Is there any evidence of a deterioration in children's eyesight through staring for hours at television screens?”
The report continued: “Clr Whiteman, a London headmaster, added that he was getting a little concerned by the matter.”
HEMEL Hempstead Town Football Club was declared to be in a financial position of great insolvency, following an annual meeting at Boxmoor Hall. It was revealed that with debts running into several hundred pounds, there was only £21 cash in hand.
The report read: “In making the financial statement, the Treasurer (Mr. R. Hazzard) said: ‘This would be considerably helped if we had more support from the traders and other representative bodies in the town.'
“Slight improvements, however, left room for optimism: ‘The financial statement showed the income over expenditure for the year was £167.' The Treasurer added: ‘With the present trend to promote more efficient handling of the club affairs, we can face the future with great hopes for further success'.
On the pitch, the team seemed to be fairing better.
The report added: “The Club secretary, Mr. T. L. Christie told members: ‘The first XI had one of their best seasons in the Delphian League, and we are looking forward to a much more successful one next season.' In thanking officials and various members of the club for their work during the past year, Mr Christie had a special word of praise for the players. He mentioned their ‘sterling work on and off the field' and ‘very good sportsmanship'.
A NEW Austin Cambridge family car was advertised from £503 plus £252.17 P.T.
An advert read: “Young Michael wanted the whole story, nothing less, when he brought his father along to us to see the Austin Cambridge. Result? Father agreed with Michael that the Cambridge had it all ways : room, comfort, power, petrol consumption and price too.”
1981 25 years ago
WIGGINTON was the latest village to reject Tring Town Council's Emergency Plan Committee in preparation for the aftermath of a nuclear war.
A report read: “The committee has plans for feeding, protecting and trying to ensure the survival of as many local people as possible.”
Chairman of the parish, Councillor Mrs. Sheila Lamkin insisted that instead: “We ought to be pressuring people to stop the war rather than sit in Tring making plans to pick up the pieces.”
HUGE job losses, rumoured for some time, at Dickinsons, Apsley were confirmed by the company this week.
The Gazette reported: ”A total of 770 jobs, mainly at Apsley, will go during the next nine months. The news comes at a time when Hemel Hempstead's unemployed figure has reached more than 2,100 with only 102 vacancies at the Jobcentre. At Berkhamsted, where 389 seek jobs, there are eight vacancies.”
KEEPING fit to music raised almost £1,000 in aid of a special baby unit at Hemel Hempstead General Hospital. The Gazette reported: “More than 40 girls took part in the sponsored “popmobility” at the Chaulden community centre and most of them kept going for a marathon six hours with only short breaks to sustain them.”
TENNIS Club groundsman, Bill Johnson, retired at the age of 75 after mowing the club's grass courts for nine years. A report read: “Berkhamsted Tennis Club said goodbye to its colourful, cockney groundsman, Bill Johnson, who was presented with an inscribed tankard by club chairman, Mr Frank Glasspool, during championship finals day.”
THE prestigious title, Miss Lovely Legs, was awarded to Nikki Lee, aged 18, whilst she was on holiday with her fiancée, Mr Leslie Mallford, at Butlins in Essex.
A report read: “Bennetts End girl, Nikki Lee, has lovely legs - and that's official!” |
